On September 14 Council agenda there is a report recommending that Council direct staff to take the necessary steps to enable the demolition of 12650 Hwy. 27. As the report explains the first step is the removal from the Township’s Heritage Register; thereafter the Township will be able to approve the already submitted building permit. As noted that approval has a couple conditions including preparation of a Heritage Salvage and Commemoration Plan by the property owner.
This is a very disappointing report: not because it is written poorly or is inadequate but rather because of the outcome. In addition it is very frustrating as the issue of a dilapidated farmhouse should have been addressed 10 years ago when its structural condition was identified as being “fair.” I consider it relevant that the advice for action from the Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) is not identified in the report.
I am not a heritage professional but from reading Attachment 4 (cultural heritage evaluation) it seems to me highly probable that an assessment would conclude the property merits designation. At this stage I concur that it is far too late to talk about restoration with the property owner. I was on the HAC for three terms so I can imagine the discussion at its meeting when this property was on its agenda. HAC’s role is identifying properties with cultural heritage and promoting conservation; it’s not about determining the appropriateness of demolition.
To read all the appendices of the report go to the Council agenda and scroll down to 8.2. Attachment 4 is the statement of cultural heritage value.
As always deputations can be made. To do so please register at clerks@king.ca by noon on September 14 or If you prefer you can e-mail your comments to clerks@king.ca and they will be distributed to Council members and appropriate staff.
I am saddened, frustrated and very disappointed about demolition approval of the historic house at 12650 Highway 27. King Township needs to do better. The City of Markham has the blueprint. I visited the Markham Heritage Estates recently and it’s a stunning development. I noticed that one of the recent additions is a two-storey red brick century farmhouse that appears to be in very bad shape (roof deteriorated), but like all the others it will be restored and renovated. With the right incentives, there are people willing to invest in these heritage buildings. (Has the owner tried to sell the house). I am sure the Township will say such a project is impossible in King, but I still think there are learnings to be found here.
https://www.markham.ca/economic-development-business/planning-development-services/heritage-services/markham-heritage-estates